The Role of Ambition and Corruption in Macbeth by William Shakespeare (1606)

Expanding the Roles:
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a tragedy about a Scottish nobleman whose ambition drives him to murder and seize the throne, leading to his eventual downfall. The play explores the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. For literature students, Macbeth is a powerful exploration of moral dilemmas, fate, and the psychological effects of guilt.

• Ambition and Corruption:
  Macbeth’s ambitious pursuit of power leads him to commit regicide, setting off a chain of events that result in his moral decay and ultimate demise. Students can explore how Shakespeare critiques the dangers of ambition when it overrides moral considerations and the cost of unrestrained desire for power.

• Fate and Free Will:
  The witches’ prophecy suggests that Macbeth is destined to become king, but his actions to fulfill this destiny raise questions about the role of fate and free will. Literature students can examine the tension between the prophecy and Macbeth’s choices, considering how Shakespeare presents the influence of fate versus human agency.

What We Learn:
Macbeth teaches literature students about the corrupting nature of ambition and the consequences of moral compromise. The play underscores the psychological toll of guilt and the consequences of acting in pursuit of power without regard for morality.